The Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant is Maryland need-based aid for students beginning college. MHEC lists a 2026–27 annual maximum of $18,000, subject to calculated need, cost of attendance, and available funding; the maximum is not an automatic award.
For a first 2026–27 application, students had to qualify for Maryland in-state tuition, file the FAFSA or MHEC One-App by March 1, 2026 listing a Maryland institution, meet need and the initial income ceiling of 130% of the federal poverty guideline, be under 26 at first award, and enroll full time in an eligible degree program. Diploma/GED, age, and start-time rules also apply.
For the first two academic years, the grant may cover up to 100% of adjusted financial need, subject to the annual cap; later years depend on credit completion: 30 credits a year for the full amount or 24–29 for a prorated award. Requested documents were due August 1, 2026. As of October 12, both initial-cycle deadlines have passed; do not assume a new 2026–27 review unless MHEC confirms an appeal or exception.
For the next cycle, prepare the FAFSA or One-App when it opens, list a Maryland college, and create an MDCAPS account. Check document requests: MHEC may ask for GED records, dependency verification, household information, or other proof. The state page publishes income ceilings by household size and distinguishes initial from renewal eligibility; check the new award year rather than carrying 2024 tax figures forward automatically.
Before accepting an aid package, compare your individual notice with the bill and ask what happens if you change enrollment, major, or campus. Read the program profile and consult the administering agency; your institution’s financial-aid office confirms your individual determination.
Guaranteed Access Grant 2026–27 — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Maryland state grants and scholarships — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
2026–27 GA Grant one-page guide — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Deadlines for the 2026–27 cycle have passed for several programs; they are identified as past dates where relevant. Eligibility does not guarantee funding: confirm the academic year, your file, and net cost with the program and your campus financial-aid office.
The main 2026–27 dates have passed; use MHEC’s annual page to prepare for the next cycle and ask whether any applicable appeal exists.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Guaranteed Access Grant
Up to $18,000 in 2026–27, subject to need and funding; aid may cover adjusted need and requires full-time enrollment, credit progress, and renewal checks.
State student financial-aid program
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
The commission publishes eligibility, maximum awards, forms, documentation, and appeals; an award depends on the file, eligible college, and available funds.
Public student financial-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Guaranteed Access Grant ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.